I had read this one somewhere—that if you currently drink 2% to switch to 1% or 1% to Skim etc—and I wondered what the calorie difference added up to. Well, here’s what could happen if you went from 2% to Skim Milk (Yes, I know…two “levels”) 🙂

1 cup of 2% Milk = 130 Calories

1 cup of Skim Milk = 90 Calories

I know what you are saying, only a 40 Calorie difference? But look at it this way—there are 16 cups in 1 gallon. That’s a 640 Calorie difference per gallon! You can see how this can add up over time!

When I first switched years back, the Skim tasted like watered down milk. But I decided to switch slowly and go from 2% to 1% then to Skim and I didn’t mind it so much. It’s all I drink now–well, that and Soy Milk! 🙂

There are some recipes that you can switch out mayonnaise or sour cream for plain low-fat yogurt and not taste much of a difference. It’s kind of a hit or miss game as to which taste good or not. But here’s the calorie difference:

1/4 cup of Mayonnaise – 229 Calories

1/4 cup of Regular Sour Cream – 123 Calories

1/4 cup of plain low-fat Yogurt – 30 Calories

Wow, huh? 199 Calorie difference for Mayonnaise and 93 Calorie difference for sour cream! You can see how that can add up over time! (If nothing else, it’s one less 100 Calorie snack that you have to “work off.”)

One of the big changes I’ve made this year is cutting back on unhealthy “side dishes” at suppertime. Instead of French Fries or Processed Foods, I’ve been piling our plates with fruits, veggies or yogurt.

Just making a simple change like this can really help in knocking off a pound in no time!

When we start adding up our calories for each day, we often forget those simple little dollops of condiments that we spread on our food. And those can add up fast!

For example, one Tbsp of Mayo has around 57 calories. Ranch Dressing? 80 calories per Tbsp. 30 calories per Tbsp for sour cream. And 48 Calories per Tbsp for sugar or brown sugar. It may not sound like much. But if you had just a Tbsp of each of these in one day, that’s 215 calories and you really haven’t eaten anything!

So make sure that when you figure in your calories for the day, that you aren’t forgetting to add in your condiments, too. Obviously, what would be best overall is to do away with as many as possible or switch to a healthier version of them. 🙂

You can make switches, too. Such as mustard for extra flavoring. It doesn’t have any calories!

I’ve found that most things in life are easier when you have someone to chat with about what you are going through. The same goes for weight loss. Having someone who can keep you motivated and inspired may help keep your focus on your losing weight. Not only that, you might be able to inspire them in return, giving you that happy feeling you get from helping others.

There are several groups out there. Some are even free. And you can always join an online chat/group. I’ve enjoyed following along with the Wii Mommies in their journeys. I guess they are the group for me since most are Mommies struggling to keep up with the daily tasks, kids, losing weight and…they like to use the Wii for fitness needs.

If any of you have found a support group or chat that you enjoy, please consider leaving the link in the comments field. You might just help one of my reader friends find the inspiration they need to lose a few pounds.